Providing References to Prospective Employers

Once you find several people who are willing and able to provide you with a good reference, treat them like the valuable asset they are: Give out their names and numbers sparingly.

Prepare a list for prospective employers that includes your references' names, job titles, and contact information, but don't simply staple it to your resume and submit it to every job opening in town. Instead, let prospective employers know that you can provide references (often done by stating "References available upon request" at the bottom of a resume), and then make your references' names and contact information available only if asked. This will save your references from having to answer phone calls and email requests for information from employers who aren't seriously considering your application.

Stay in touch with your references. Update them about your achievements and goals, make sure you have current contact information, and ask them to let you know if someone contacts them for information about you. Make sure to let your references know when you land a job -- and thank them for their help.